ROTC cadets conduct tactical training at Camp Pendleton

Riverside, Calif. (April 24, 2018) – Cadets in the Army ROTC at California Baptist University participated
in intensive training exercises held at Camp Pendleton on April 12-15. The training
included tactical scenarios such as an ambush, reconnaissance and a squad or platoon
attack.

More than 25 CBU cadets joined in the exercise that brought together a culmination
of instruction the students received over the year. ROTC at CBU is part of a six-college
intercollegiate-group. A total of 140 cadets took part in the training exercise at
Camp Pendleton. Senior cadets coordinated the event under the guidance of their ROTC
officers.

The cadets were grouped diverse collegiate squads and platoons to facilitate relationships
and share best practices learned within different campuses, said Cpt. John S. Dabrowski,
CBU assistant professor of military science.

“The exercise is designed to test their adaptability, critical thinking as well as
technical knowledge of infantry operations,” Dabrowski said.

Laura Buffa, a biomedical sciences sophomore at CBU, said she benefited from the format
of training.

“I learned how to be a better soldier and how to learn from different leadership styles,”
Buffa said.

Sheraya Bentick, a Christian ministries senior and a cadet battalion commander at
CBU, said she is developing a sharp eye for tactical maneuvers.

“I had to have a bird’s-eye view of everything that’s happening on the ground,” Bentick
said of her role during the training exercises. “It’s a lot of critical thinking because
our [instructor] is always asking us questions, always developing us, always making
sure we’re constantly thinking of what’s next.”

Bentick will be commissioned into the Army next month to begin her basic officer training.

“I feel like the program and our [ROTC officers] have thoroughly prepared me. I’m ready
to go,” Bentick said.